AN IVORY DOUBLE-SIDED ‘PRACTICING CALLIGRAPHY’ TABLE SCREEN, KANGXI

Artist signature on the stand. Ivory engraved and carved in low relief. Good patina

China

the screen Kangxi, around 1700, the stand Qing Dynasty

The rectangular plaque carved with a villa scene, with two scholars conversing and practicing calligraphy surrounded by servants, the reverse with a calligraphic inscription and a scene with birds and flowers, mounted in a partially reticulated stand with archaistic carving and two Buddhist lions guarding the screen.

Shape: Table screen
Weight: 440 grams
Dimensions: Height 27 cm
Condition: Some age cracks, the stand with minor losses. One of the four supporting elements which connects the screen with the stand is missing. Generally in good condition
Provenance: United Kingdom private collection

Literature: Chinese Ivories from the Kwan Collection. December 1990. By Simon Kwan, Peter Y. K. Lam and Yang Boda. (for a comprehensive overview of Chinese ivories and many interesting examples from the Kangxi period)